A Nation That Honors God

By Dr. Charles Stanley at crosswalk.com

Psalm 72

Because government is instituted by God as His minister for good (Rom. 13:4), it functions best  when leaders honor and obey Him. Throughout Israel's history, God commended those kings who obeyed His laws and worshiped Him alone. The course of the entire nation was influenced by each king's beliefs and behavior. Since this principle is still applicable today, righteous leaders have a tremendous potential to affect their nations for good. The Lord will guide and support those who fear Him and seek His wisdom and direction for their decisions. 

As important as rulers are in determining a nation's future, its citizens also play a vital role, especially in democracies where leaders arise from within the populace. An unrighteous constituency rarely elects a godly leader. Yet Christians who share their faith and raise children in God's ways can have a tremendous impact on their nation's values and, thereby, on its choice of rulers.

When both leaders and citizens value the Word of God, laws will be enacted which line up with biblical principles and commands. Every instruction in Scripture is given for our protection and benefit.

By aligning our laws with God's, justice will triumph as the helpless are protected, the guilty are punished, and the innocent are vindicated.

When comparing this ideal to your reality, you might feel discouraged. But no matter what the condition of a nation, you can make a difference in your circle of influence by living righteously in an evil culture and reaching out to share the good news of Christ with a world that has lost its way.